Evening Star Newspaper, April 11, 1898, Page 2

TO GAIN MORE TIME Armistice in Cuba Agreed on by the Spanish Cabinet. APPEAL BY THE POWERS AT MADRID Withdrawal of Captain Sampson's Squadron Required. OPINIONS OF THE PAPERS — The visit of the foreign ambassadors to Senor Gullon, Spanish minister of foreign | affairs, at Madrid Saturday resulted in a meeting of the cabinet, at which a decision was reached to grant an armistice to the irsurgents in Cuba. The fact that Spain was considering the question of granting an armistice was announced by The Star Saturday evening. The ambassadors collectively called upon Senor Gullon, requesting that Spain grant the armistice so repeatedly begged for by the pope. The cabinet then met. General Correa, mimister of war, and Ad- mirai Bermejo, minister of marine, objected to the granting of an armistice on the ground that it would be disparaging to Spanish arms. The representative of Russia, as a mili- tary power, replied that he considered it would be no disparagement. Objection was again made on the ground that there was no guarantee that the in- surgents would accept an armistice. ‘The represzntatives replied that in that case an armistice would mean only a sus- pension of hostilities, and insisted upon Spain offering to the insurgents a last chance of submission for the sake of nego- ttating peace. If the insurgents continued hostilities the Spaniards would be allowed legitimate self-defense. Conditions of Armistice. The council had a Jong and anxious dis- evesion, during which Senor Sagasta went out and consclted with the queen regent, and it was finally decided to grant an*ar- mistice, which 4houid last five days, upon the following conditions: c ‘That the United States should immedi- ately cease to lend morai and material sup- port to the Cuban insurgents; that the American squadren in the vicinity of Cuba should be withdrawn, and that the Ameri- eah war vessels near the Phillipine Islands also should be withdrawn. If the United States decline these condi- tions it deciared tha: the powers will open- ly lend their support to Spain. The ministry unanimously agreed to grant the armistice. The decision was at- tended by the usuai solemnity of the draft- ing of the minutes, which the entire min- istry signed. The news of the granting of an armis- tice was received on the bourse with satis- faction, and a rapid advance in values quickiy foliowed. General Correa, mintster of war, after the gouncil, which lasted two hours, said to the correspondent of the Associated Press: “We yielded to the prayer of the great powers, granting what we had refused to the United States.” United States Minister Woodford was in- formed that the Spanish govet ent had telegraphed to the pope that in Hew of his urgent request, fortified by a visit from the representatives in Madrid of the six great powers, they (the Spanish government) had telegrapked to General Blanco in Cuba, in- structing bim to issue an armistice procia- mation today, the duration of the armistice to_be as he decides. General Woodford paid a visit to Sencr Gullon, minister of foreign affairs, Satur- day evening. The general opinion in Madrid in the sryoine: = oats the day’s events settle ‘acioriiy the first stag> of the Spanish- Ameircan difficulty and insure peace. It was believed that the presentation of a ne Message to Congress again postponed, the Epoca unit Pray ee a, thought tninisters, upon being questioned the reporters, refused to give any inter ton regarding the negotiations, To Oppose American Demands, A political society in Maérid, with French connections, has drafied an address to the government, declaring that the United States desires to “impair Spain's undisputa- ble sovereignty over Cuba and Porto Rico,” asecrting that those islands are the keys of the Gulf of Mexico, and claiming that it must be Spain's mission to retain them as @ guaraniee for the maintenance of the commercial interests of Europe, pointing out that “to ask Spain to haul down her flag in Cuba is tantamoun: to asking Eu- Tope to withdraw from that part of the world.” The members of the society promise make every sacrifice in the int. the fatheriand. =o Views of the Madrid Press. The opinions expressed by the Madrid newspapers are contradictory. Some of them hold that war is inevitabie, and others hoye for >eace. Ei Correo (official) say “While America asked for an armistice, Spain refused; but to the voice of Europe and the pope, even Spain, without dishonor, may accept the arrangement proposed in the interests of peace.” The Giobo (Liberal) rejoices at the “calm- er judgment of yesterday's press,” highly commending the uticrartes of the Corre- spondencia de Expana and the Epoca, and adding: “Neither America nor Spain can ignore the collective action without daring the European powers. England's participation hecessiizies Spain's waichfuil eye on the developments. We have not forgotten that a Times rey Gas to treat with the insurgenis the iniards must pocket their Pride.” Unless the powers tle the American Bands against further aiding the insur- gents. their interference will be of little benefit to America, Spain or Europe.” El Libaral (moderate republican) says: “The powers’ preliminary proceedings at Washington do not speak intentions favor- able Spain. It is clear that the powers are indifferent to the opinion of the Span- ish government, while the phrase, ‘neces- sary guarantees,’ in the note suggests in- difference to our legitimate and imprescrip- to of a's article of Saturday night.sug- Sesting ihe government's compliance with the powcts’ intention to find a definitive and permanent solution of the Cuban ques- tons, makes El liberal suspect that the article was inspired by a portion of the cabine:. headed by Senor Moret, minister of the colonies, whose object is to upset the war party. and El Liberal demands an immediate expianatton of the terms “‘de- finitive and permaneni solution,” which will enable Spain to judge openly of the proposals. ——_—_+--___ GOMEZ SAYS “NO ARMISTICE.” Insergcnis WI Accept Nothing bat Spanish Evacuation. A special to the New York Meraid trom Key West iast night says: The only armis- tice the Cuban insurgents will accept Is one anlicipating the evacuation of the island by the Spaniards. This is said on the authority of Consul Barker, who left Sagua la Grande Friday morning and is now on his way to Washington with Gensral Lee. Mr. Barker recently received a commu- Rieation from General Gomez, in which the latter had this to say of the proposal, made firat by President McKinley and then by the pope, that an armistice be agreed upon, to continue one yeur: “A year ago We received a proposal to agree to an armistice. We refused tron end we trust refuse now. Tho ra‘ny sca- son is at hand, and Spain's troops would 6 an armistice untli it is over, We shall throw away no advantage. bs “On the other hand, 1 am saxicus that hostilities should cease, but it mu be tor all time. If Spain ‘ces to evacuate Cuba, taking her flag with her, I am willing to agres to nn armistice to iaat until October 1, whea leyai Cubsns sal) come into their "Plone? tell President MeKiniey thig for me, Tel} bim, too, that | am writing ¢! at the dirsction of the Cuban provisic sovermment, with which he may treat di- Fetly should he so desire,” In this connection some incidents con- > iy i 8 i : contribute, but when app! promptly gave $50, ~~ times as-much as ‘was given by any other sul ‘ His sympathies weré with the Cubans. He purchased recently a new American’ flag. When instructed to close his con- sulate, he sent his rifle, which had been kept to protect his life, wrapped in the flag, to General Gomez. —————— FATE OF THE RECONCENTRADOS. Inevitable Suffering in Case of War With Spain. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. HAVANA, Cuba, April 9, via Tampa, Fla., April 10.—Interest is naturally taken in the fate of the reconcentrados in the case of war between the United States and Spain. This class would inevitably suffer, and it is the kind of suffering for which it is prepared and which it will gladly en- dure. One-half of Cuba is a desert, which is rot producing enough to sustain the in- habitants of the remainder. The insur- gents occupy the greater portion. The sea- ccast towns have provisions enough to last under ordinary circumstances possibly a month. The interior villages are not so well supplied. Few of them have more than a fortnight’s supply ahead. If the ports should be blockaded the food on the island would be stretched beyond the nor- mal period, but a merciful regard for the population that has already endured so much would call a speedy occupation by American troops and the employment of the army commissary department on a large scale. The food that has been sent by the American people has been widely distrib- uted. It has tided over what was a most Pressing emergency. Much of it that was not perishable has been gotten out through the country where it is most needed. Nec- essarily much of it passed directly through the hands.of local officiais without the per- sonal supervision of the consuls. Where these are friendly to the Cubans the food will reach those for whom it is meant, even after war begins. Where they are ultra-Spanish little of it will go to the starving. Some of the food inevitably finds its way to the Spanish soldiers, who are not much better fed than the reconcen- trados. If hostilities break out, wherever the food is stored in quantities it will unques- tionably be seized and confiscated by the Spanish authorities. An impression seems to obtain in some piaces that the distri- bution of supplies would go. on under ¢ American Red Cress because the Spanish government would be bound to recognize the society, under the Geneva agreement, to which {t was a party along with other countries. This is @ weak reliance. The Spanish Red Cross has already resented the efforts to have the American society superintend the distribution of food. The insurgents have never been recognized as belligerents. They have not the benefit of the Red Cross services. That condition could noet prevail if Spain and the United States should go to wer, because the society would be recog- nized, but in the early stagea, or until Cuba was actualiy occupied by American troops, there would be no opportunity for the society to exercise its functions. The food would not be distributed through that agency in Havana, where the entire city poor {s fed by American reifef. The distri- bution of the supplies on hand might be left with those who are now in charge of it, but this te doubtful. When war is once begun the Spanish officials will concern themselves very little with fecding any poor of the Cuban peuple. PEPPER. -_— BRITISH SYMPATHY. Remarks of an Official of the Foreiga Office. During the course of a conversation a high official of the British foreign office in London is quoted as saying; “The certain difficulties and possible dan- gers which the United States is inviting by its attitude, besides the vast cost and the disquieting uncertainties of war itself, all of which could be avoided by a policy of indifference, show the single-mindedness of the American aims and constitute an irre- sistible claim on the sympathies of other nations, for the assured losses are not counterbalanced by any prospect of gain. “The President's policy is statesmaniike and essentially humane, and while we may view apprehensively the ultimate results to America herself of the necessity for in- troducing order in the government of Cuba, the sclution of the insufferable scandal will not be too dearly purchased at the cost of war. “The maleficent rule of Spain in Cuba has got to end now, for neither America nor any one else will trust her promises, #0 often broken, especially after the telltale ecrrespondence which resulted in the recall of Senor Dupuy de Lome. “Nevertheless,” added the official, “Amer- ica has taken up an unenviable task, After ; driving cut the Spaniards she will have to send troops to crush the Cubans, who are rebels at heart, and who will not sub- mit tamely to any form of government which will deprive them of their occupation of fighting.” England Would Join America. After commenting upon the fact that “the effect of tie dramatic postponement of President McKinley's message has been to plunge-two continents into profound sus- pense and put every bourse in the world into violent‘alternations of heat and cold,” the London Spectator suggests as a possib'e explanation of the delay that “the Presi- Gent found, or fancied he had found, he; was face to face with a coalition of the continental powers, France, Russia, Ger- many and Austria, nominally to preserve the peace cf the world, in reality to conduct an anti-Monroe campaign to prevent any territory now in the possession of a Euro- pean power passing under American con- trol.” But the Spectator in its next sentence bashers this suggestion on the head by say- =e Swhite the continental powers do not love the American republic they would not be so mad as to risk a war with the whole Angio-Saxon race, and that would be the outcome. For, if America was attacked by @ continental coalition, England would be by her side in twenty-four hours.” Dillon’s Paper for Spsin. The Freeman's Journal, the organ of the Irish nationalist leader, John Dillon, & peper claiming to represent the Irish party, after flatfootedly expressing the hope that Spain will win in the expected war, asks: “Is there a nation in the world which could brook the insults leveled at the Span- {ards in the American press, or would not Protest against the stand-and-deliver policy adopted?” In conclusion the Freeman's Journal re- ke: “In our opinion the United States would ‘be better employed helping Spain to make gutonomy @ success, rather than in forcing a deplorable war. The latest advices show the Americans do not want to deliver Cuba to the Cubans,” The Irish Independent Le: has pro- tnd’ has’ passed. a, Pesoluiion ot an & resolu with the United States, repudiating: with scorn, nd eogeeion the declaration of the Freeman's Journal. e ——— ee Freeh Praise of Spain, The Paris Temps says: “Spain has given fresh procfs of her prudence and wise pa- triotism, and henceforth displomacy must guard her honor and interests. The United fitates will shock -the conscience of the world if It fails to respond to Spain's ad- The Jeurnal dea Debates says: “If tho} a ter, Dah peeve oat under the pratcre of bamaiy sought the expicitation crouse” Consul Brice Deelared That Every Pound of the Cargo Would Be Distributed to the Suffering. A press dispatch from New Orleans says: Additional facts are learned concerning the mobbing of the American relief Utstein, which recently took to Matanzas, Cuba, a cargo for the starving reconcentrados, ind has just returned to New Orleans. The cargo was made up of food, medi- cine and clothing; was valued at $25,000, and was collected by a Kansas City paper in a weck. A member of. the newspaper staff, who went to Matanzas on the ship, Teporis partly as follows: “The dock at Matanzas was crowded with people awaiting the coming of the Utstein. The crowd was one of rags and gauntness, which represented the starving reconcen- trados, and gold lace and showy uniforms of the sneering Spanish officers and sol- diers, Through this crowd the little party from the Utstein passed. “The reconcentrados pointed to their moutks to signify their hunger. The party was followed by hundreds of ragged men, women and children, begging for food or money. At every turn the street showed another starving crowd. Consul Brice’s office was full of clamoring people. The streets were crowded. Two clerks were busy writing ration tickets. Unloading the Food. “At 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon the first lighters began unloading. An effort was made to have the unioading continued through the night, but the Spanish au- thorities would not consent. “It was afterward learned that there was a rumor that several thousand rifles for the insurgents were concealed in the hold. As the magnitude of the rellef sup- ply was realized by the Spanish merchants, a@ great deal of feeling was exhibited against the Americans. “On Sunday two Cubans came to Consul Brice’s office and to!d him that there was much talk against the Americans who came with the ship. The Spanish had ex- pected fifty tons of supplies instead of TU0 s. ater in the day others came to the consul's office and said that Monday had been chosen to assassinate the Americans, and that the attack was to be made under the leadership of the Civil Guards, the most formidable body of soldiers in Cuba. They reported that the consul’s office was to be stoned, and advised that the news- paper's representatives be sent on ship- board. “So many reports of this character had been circulated that this was given little credence by Consul Brice, who advised that no fear be shown. “During Sunday the unloading of the boat proceeded rapidly, and Sunday after- noon the hauling of the cargo to the two large warehouses engaged began at once. The hauling was continued late Into the right, until the two warehouses were crowd<d with the provisio: “During Sunday Consul Lrice gave out ration tickets until 14,000 had been given out. It rained hard ail Sunday, but the crowd before the consul’s office did not de- crease, nor did the consul or his clerks cease !n their labors. 4 o'clock in the a bought a lot of bread with relict y and distributed veral hundred leaves in front of the theater. It was fought for by a crowd of a thousand or more. 2 “In the meartime Consui Brige had given great deal of the great west’s money, in twenty and forty-cent Spanish pieces, to needy women. Insulied by Spantsh Rabble. “Sunday evening the feeling against the Americans intensified. Insults were offered them everywhere Spanish soldiers crowd- ed iks. They were hissed at, tled to as if dogs. “That night they waiked to thelr hotel in the middie of a narrow street, making a good bluff, followed by a mob who cursed them. Early Monday morning they were awakened by a crowd under their window talking about them. They walked from the hotel to the con- sul's office, insulted on every side. Before the consulate stood the usval great crowd of reconcentrados, awaiting the distribu- tion of suppiies. It was a pitiful sight; one of such gaunt misery as can be seen no- where else in the world. “Consul Brice advised the newspaper's representatives to go aboard the Utstein at once. He learned from a reliable source that the fecling was so strong that very ternoon Consul little might precipitate bloodshed. The British consul earnestly gave the same advice. “Shortly afterward Captain Aarsvald of the Utstein came ashore and was advised by the Norwegian consul to go aboard his ship. “During the morning Consul Brice sent a special messenger to Consul General Lee at Havana, stating the situation and ask- ing that the State Department afford him protection in distributing the supplies, avowing at the same time his determina- tion to distribute the last pound of sup- plies. This message he felt he could not truat to the telegraph. “From the consul’s office to the wharf the newspaper men met with renewed in- sults, but, with Captain Aarsvald, got a beat and went out to the ship. All through the day the unloading progressed. It was {finished about 6 o'clock and the Utstein immediately put out to sea. “Just before she sailed Consul Brice came aboard. The distribution, he said, would go on that night and until every pound of the cargo had been properly given away or he was driven away.” Declines to Interfere in the Spanish- American Dispute. All news of the Spanish-American crisis is anxiously watched in Germany as the opening of actual hostilities is expected, and German interests, especially her com- mercial interests, are involved. The Berlin newspapers, although still hoping that peace will not be broken, are beginning to discuss the probable effect of war upon trade. Public opinion in Germany is much di-* vided, many of the papers expressing the opinion that the United States ought to be satisfied with the concessions Spain is offering. others declaring, however, that the United States is right in demanding the absolute independence of Cuba as the only means of preventing a recurrence of the disturbances and quieting the just in-} dignation in America at Spanish misrule. Hardly anybody in gerious political cir- cles doubts that war coming, the points at issue being deem irreconcliabie, al- though every paper does full justice to President McKinley's moderation and evi- dent desire for peace. ‘The national conservative newspapers have taken the occasion to point out that in the event of war Germany ought to seize the opportunity to attain objects which her politicians have heen aiming at for years. The Deutsch Zeitung, the leading organ of this party, expreases the hope that the German foreign office is ar- ranging to “appropriate Samoa, drive the Americans from there, and take possession of one or more of the Antilles; if possible the Islands, as after Germany, as has become American or independe: re waters. nt, uire a coaling station in ‘those r her navy and merchant marine.” event of an outbreak the official the strict we traltty. me. from the strictest new a e ambassador in Mendes ide CALLED Indications ‘That, a Revolution May Result From the Edict. 3 ——s——_ VIEWS ‘OF THE PRESS : A dispatch from Madrid last night says: A revolutionary movement ts threatened in Spain as a result of a decision by the cabinet yesterday to grant an armistice in Cuba at-the request of the pope and the great temporal powers of Europe. General Correa, minister of war, said: “We yielded to the prayer of the great powers, granting what we had refused to the United States.” A telegram was sent to General Blanco in Cuba instructing him to issue an armistice Proclamaticn tomorrow, the duration of the armistice to be ag he decides. It is under- stood that the terms of the armistice in- clude the withdrawal of the American squadrons from the vicinity of Cuba and the Philippines. If the war is not con- cluded immediately the United States is to withdraw all moral and material support from the Cuban insurgents. It is believed here that the presentation of President Me- Kinley’s message to Congress will be again bostponed. Public Considers It a Backdown. The granting of the armistice is looked upon as a backdown by. the cabinet, and this has caused great popular excitement. The general talk of the town, especially in military circles, condemns the action by the cabinet and predicts trouble. Though order is maintained in the crowd- ed streets, yet the government is suspl- cious, nothwithstanding the precautionary measures taken, An incident happened about 7 o'clock tonight showing that those Measures are necessary. A boisterous crowd, heated by wine and the excitement of a bull fight, encountered a general who Was wearing a scarf of the national colo! The crowd raised cries of ‘Viva Espana,” “Viva Cuba,” and for the moment the situation looked dangerous should any one have raised a seditious cry. None doing so, the crowd dissolved and the locality soon resumed its ordinary appearance. The officer who was the center of the demonstration was General €astelvi, Bour- bon pretender to the throne of France. He was recognized. The demonstration oc- curred in front of the presidency, and the civil governor went among the crowd ex- erting his personal influence rather than his authority to persuade the people to dis- pegse. It is rumored that manifestations ccntinue in several streets, but the au- thcritles say they attach no importance to these, as the crowds are largely composed oi ihe poorer classes. Enormous crowds going to and coming from the bull fight passed within sight of General Woodford’s house. Large rein- forcements ofspolice and civil guards were pested near by, aad also in front of the Bank of Spain and other publle buildings. t as the ckowd' was returning, General ovdford and Woodford, who had been spending the afternoon in the park, walkéd to their residence. They were not molested. “Whe is the Jndast” El Pais (républican), under headlines such as “A (reat Betrayal” and “Spain says: “The present outbursts of Spanish indignation resemble electric dis- charges. If the gévernment sounds pub- lic opinion It will find this of evil augury and threatening, asking who is the Judas, if it be one traitor or several, who has sold Spain, thinkyhg that the Spaniards are eunuchs? Let him know that he is mistaken.” Then E) Pais draws a picture of a street group gathering about an orator harangu- ing them. Their- passiot are surging; some one raises the cry, “Viva Espan; g is produced and the enthusiastic ude follows it. ‘Whither, who says El Pais, and answers, “Per- haps to settle aecounts with the betrayers of Spain's nonor.” fielded to Brute Force.” El Imparcial (independent) severely criti- cises the government, saying that, afier boasting that it would not grant an un- sclicited truce to rebels, “It has yielded to brute force what it refused to yield to the mora: influence and fatherly counsels of the pope.” “We do not know foreigners’ opinion of the government's surrender,” says El Im- parcial, ‘but the bourse salutes with a rise. With the deepest sadness, before the manifest Incapacity of the present govern- ment and remembering aiso that Internal peace is highly in danger, we today pro- claim the following conditions ag wecessary for honor: A twenty-day truce for the rebels’ submission and the concentration of ouf naval forces at Cuba. If the truce lapses without result, then ceaseless war against the rebels and against the United States.” El Liberal says it ia imposstble for Spain to avoid a “feeling of deadly sadness.” Still it advises the people to remain quiet, as “perhaps Europe may exact conces- sions from America and also defer the reckoning.” El Nacional, coservative, the organ of Romero Robledo, is bitterly hostile at the concession, and says that the government called in the European powers to witness a scene of Spain's disgrace. Fer this lan- guage the Nacional was confiscated to- night. Correa Givers a Different View. El Imparcial says that Lieutenant Gen- eral Correa, niinister of war, in a conver- sation yesterday with several persons, ex- pressed himself as follows: “It is an error to say that the govern- ment has granted a regular armistice to the rebels. I would never give that be- fore leaving the ministry, because it would be the same thing as recognizing the belligerency of the rebels. “The government has granted the wishes of the powers that we should ceas2 hos- tilities during the delay, which Gen. Bianco judges prudent for preparing peace. 1 ac- ceded to 2 cessation of hostilities, because to refus: the wishes of the powers would be to divorce Spain from the world. “Gen, Blanco will probably publish a proclamation of truce and also another of- fering indulgent terms during the cessa- tion of hostilities. If, during this period, there are important submissions and the United States withdraws its ships from th neighborhood of Cuba and the Philippines, all will be well and peace will soon be reached. Otherwise the Cuban war will continue and the powers will be obliged to d2mand that,the United States maintain absolute neutrality and enforce a dissolu- tion of the filibustering committee in New York, The armistice is not to prevent the Spanish government from continuing its military preparations and placing the pen- insula, the Canari2s, the Balearic Islands and Porto Rico in y state of defense.” Woodford Said to Be Satisfied. Minister Wecdford, in a conference last evening with Senor Gullon, mintster of for- eign affairs, ¥s said to have expressed his satisfaction with the new arrangzment. Senor igpon, minister of -the interior, issued a circular to the prefects giving an account of the armistice, which he explain- counsel of th: G Powers, and which, while saving the.Sosor and m dignity ae Spain, preserves. cs MAQIONAL, BACKDOWN WILL ‘GIVE NO ARMISTICE Oubens- ill Fight fee Liberty or Death 5; Ne Censation ef Hostilities Uniess Recognition of Independence is Granted by Spain. ‘Mz. Quesada, representing the Cuban tn- surgents at Washington, said to a Star reporter today. “The Cubans will not enter upon an arm- istice with Spain unless it is accompanied with the recognition by Spain of the in- dependence of the Cuban republic. We will continue to fight until our liberty is recog- nized or until we are all dead. “The Cubans will not enter into negotia- tions nor receive a proposition to cease hostilities except on the basis of immediate. independence. This armistice proposition fs Spanish diplomacy, designed to make it appear to the world that Spain wants Peace, and that it is not her fault that there is no peace. The Cubans went into the war to secure their independence. Any proposition for them to stop fighting must concede the accomplishment of the object for which they have fought for three years. It is positively, ‘officially and irrevocably, declared that the Cubans will accept no armistice proposition until after this in- dependence is recognized. An agent go- ing to General Gomez, unless he bore a written document, the contents of which he did not know, would be subject to exe- cution us an emissary, and would almost surely be executed by General Gomez, no matter who he was or what walk of life he might be from. Tf he bore a letter and did not know its contents, he would be given safe escort to the proper point, and then sent back where he came from. There can be no excuse for delay to ascertain whether the Cubans will accept the arm- tstice offered. Jt is already rejected. “The constitution of the Cuban republic and the civil law absolutely forbid the general-in-chief, under penalty of death, to entertain or receive any offer from the Spanish lines, unless it has for its basis the absolute independence of Cuba. Who is to carry the offer? The fate of Ruiz is a warning of the fate which would await such an envoy.” Senor Quesada has a letter from General Gomez, under date of March 9, a part of which is as follows: “This province (Santa _C'ara), as well as Santiago de Cuba and Puerto Principe, is ours. The enemy has departed, ceasing military operations, and abandoning the garrisons and forts, which constituted its base of operations. Days, weeks and months pass without a column of troops appearing within our radius of action, which is many leagues. “In the condition in which we are, it is my opinion that what we need to end the war quickly are cannon, and a great deal of dynamite, so that we can expel them by fire and steel from the towns. Notwith- standing the opinion of the optimists, I adhere to the idea that we will never make Spain come to terms but in that manner, and it is a loss of time and very danger- ous to enter into any negotiations. We must fight them vigorously and unceas- ingly, in order to force what we will have, and we will surely obtain it in time.” The Cuban Government. In a signed statement Mr. Quesada thus describes the formation and establishment of the Cuban civil government: “From the very inception of the revolu- tion the Cubars provided for a civil power. The Cuban revolutionary party, which pre- rered and directed the movement, was a civil organization, headed by Jose Marti, rost zealous in’ establishing the para- n-ount influence of the law over the sword. Gen, Gomez thrcughcut the revolution has shown himself desirous that the civil au- thorities should have the supreme power. When he znd Marti landed their first aim Was to constitute a provisional govern- ment. After the meeting of Gomez, Maceo and Marti at Majcrana, on May 4, 1895, a call for the selection of representatives of the Cuban people to form a civil govern- ment was made. Declaration of Independence. “The death of Marti postponed for a time the selection of the representatives, but in the beginning of September, 1895, the call breviou: issued was complied with. Rep- resentatives were elected to the constit- uent assembly, which assembly solemnly declared the jndependence of Cuba and iis separation from the Spanish monarchy, and confirmed the existence of the repub- lic of Cuba amcng the political divisions of the world. “On the 18th of September, 1895, officers of the government were elected by the con- stituent astembly, and selected as delegate plenipotentiary and general agent abroad Thomas Estrada Palma. During the two years of the Cisneros administration, and up to the present time of Maso’s, the civil authorities of the republic have exercised their functions throughout the territory controlled by the republic of Cuba, which is about three-fourths of the island. There is a civil governor in every province. Documents Before Congress. “Documents were filed before the Senate committee on foreign relations last April, which were published as document No. 19, Fifty-fifth Congress, first session, which Proved thet the civil government legislated as to commerce, government workehops, manufactories, coast inspectors, post of- fices, that stamps have been issued, public schools established, that the public treas- ury is wel) organized, taxes being collect- ed, and amounting to hundreas of thous- ands of dolars. “Pursuant to tke mandate eontained in the constitution of 1895, a constituent as- sembly was convoked to meet in October, 1897, to revise the iaws and to elect new officers. The government council an electoral law, and twenty-four repre sentatives were chosen from the six prov- inces; the election was untrammeled by the military. “It wes a brilliant congress which sat the months ef October and November. Dr. Mendez Capote, ex-professor of law in the Havana University, presided. A new con- stitution was adopted on the 29th of Oc- tober, 1897, which will be in force two years, unless independence is obtained be- forehand, when an assembly shall be called to provide temporarily for the govern- ment and administration of the republic, until a definite constituent assembly shall meet. Provision for Peace With Spain. “Article 15 of the preamble of: this con- stitution reads as follows, as one of the rights of the Cuban government: “*To make treaties with other powers, choosing the commissioners who are to celebrate them; but without being able to delegate in them its final approval. The one of peace with Spain must be ratified by the assembly, and cannot be initiated but on the basis of the absolute and im- mediate independence of all the Island of Cuba." = “The government council appointed Maj. Gen. Maximo Gon-ez general-in-chief and Maj. Gen. Calixto Garcia as lieutenant general. “But the best proof of the existence of the Cuban capital and government is the following official telegram, published by the Spanish minister, Dupuy de Lome, from Senor Coneosta, Cee: of the Spanish government in Cuba: Fa “ “HAVANA, January 21. ‘Gen. Castellanos has taken ““The next day, continuing his opera- tion, the same general defeated a body of air of Seovateean "scatiectee eaeea ier the nt of ate Pe and killing ff nine. that in the enly two mstances in which Es first case took place both the House and of the Mexican war in th houses were in Morday, June 1, 1812, ‘transmitted his mes- Tegarding the invasion of high seas by Gfeat Brit- President made no recom- In submitting the question to Congress, the President said: “We behold, in fine. on the side of Great Britain a state of war against the United and on the side of the United ites a state of peace toward Great Brit- Whether the United States shall con- tinue passive under these progressive usur- pations and these accumulating wrongs, or, oprosing force to forec, in defense of their national rights, shail commit a just cause Into the hands of the Almighty Dis- poser of Events, avoiding all connec:ions which might entangle it in the interest of z Fee mending it to their early deliberations, I am happy in the assurance that the decis- ion will be worthy of the enlightened and patriotic counsels of a virtuous, a free and a powerful nation.” The message was marked “confidential,” ond the House at once went into secret session. In the secret session, the pro- ceedings of which were afterward made public, the message was read, and, as indi- cating the temper of Congress at that time, the moticn to refer it to committee of the whole for immediate action was de- feated—37 to ©. It was referred to, the committee on foreign relations. The House met and adjourned the following day, awaiting the report of the committee. On the next day, June 3. Mr. Calhoun of Scuth Carolina submitted the renort of -the committee, which in strong ms stated the causes and reasons for declaring war against Great Britain, and which sudmit- ted a bill containing a Geclaratioa of war Mr. Quincey mcved to remove the in- junction of secrecy at this juncture, but the motion was defeatcd—i6 to 76. Another motion, by John Randolph, to have th> proceedings conducted with open se failed—45 to 77. @ motion was then put on the bill, “Shail_ the bill be rejected and it was lost—45 to 76. The bill was then consid- ered in committee of the whole, and with- cut action the House adjourned. The yeas and woes on the third reading, June 4, re- sulted 78 to When the bill was about to pass Randolph moved to postpone con- sideration until October, but the motion was defeated—42 to 81. Several filibuster- ing motions to postpone, adjourn, ete., were defeated, and finally the bill was Passed—79 to 49. The bill was then trans mitted to the Senate, and passed that body with amendments, June 18. The same da: the House agreed to the amendments, the biil was signed hy the President, and, upon Mr. Randolph’s motion, the injunction of secrecy was removed. = Hostilities had actually commenced be- fore action was taken by Congress in the Mexican war. The batties of Matamoras end Resaca de ia Palma had been fought. Monday, May 11, 1846, e Ma , the House by a vote of 123 to 67 passed a bill declaring that a state of war existed between the United States and Mexico. The proceedings in both houses were in open session. a a THE POPE'S INTERVENTION. The Armistice Attributed to the Ef forts of Leo XII. The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun says, under date of yester- day: The granting of the armistice to the Cubans by Spain is ascribed by the Cath- olic authorities here to the direct influence of Pope Leo XIII, and they are very rauch pleased at the success which has attended the efforts of the pope and his advisers, The information that the armistice was granted was received at the apostolic dele- gation yesterday. The message was brief, consisting of three words. No news from either Rome or Madrid was received at the delegation today. Archbishop Ireland has now accomplished his mission here up to date, but he will re- main in the city to do whatever else he can if requested by the pope. When Leo XIII sent Archbishop Ireland from St. Paul to Washington it was with the instruction that he should ascertain what might be done to avert a war between the United States and Spain. If he could not suggest that which might serve to avert the war, he was to learn what steps might be taken to postpone action, Archbishop Ireland gave it as his opinion when the President's message was Melayed last week to give the Americans time to leave Cuba that independence for the Cu- bans was the only thing that could surely avert war; an armistice might delay and possibly avert it. This information was conveyed from Rome to the Nuncia at Madrid, and it is believed by :aose inter- ested that the armistice was granted on the representation made by Pope Leo XIII, through the Nuncio, close on the intelli- gence from Archbishop Ireland. So, in a large measure, the mission of the latter has been successful. The result of the granting of the armistice has been discounted al- ready. A church authority stated to the Sun re>- resentative tonight that it is expected to place Spain in a much more favorable light than before. It also places the Cubans in a trying position, for if they refuse it gives the Spaniards an opportunity to say. with some degree of truth, what they have all along contended, that the object of the Cu- bans Is to force the United States Into war with Spain in order to accomplish their own ends. The same authority gave it as the opinion of those concerned that President McKinley and the cabinet believed that the armistice was sufficient grounds for a de- in declaring in favor of armed interven- tion. If the Cubans accept the terms they will be enabled to confer with the Spanish offi- clals with a view to terminating the war by acquiring their independence, probably on the result of purchase. At any rate, it would delay war between the United States and Spain until every possible means of reconciliating the interests of Spain and Cuba should have been exhausted. oo ___ To Be Sergeant Jasper Battery. By direction of the President, the new ten-inch battery on Sullivan’s Island, Charleston harbor, South Carolina, will hereafter be known as Battery Sergeant Jasper, iu honor of the late Sergeant Wm. Jasper, 2d South Carolina Regiment (con- tinental army), who, during the attack of the British fieet_on Fort Sullivan-on the 28th of June, 1776, heroicatiy restored to the fort the flag which had been shot away by a ball from a British ship. FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE. At a recent meeting of the board of supervisors Messrs. Thorne and Willis repo:ted that they had contracted for building a bridge over the stream on the county road mar the Catholle Church in Falls Chureh district for $103, and that the work had been properly done and accepted. R. C, L. Moncure ard cthers were given the right to erect telephone Ines on the county roads between Colvin Run and Forestville, Hemdon and Chantilly, by way of Fryingpan; Herndon and Sterling, Fairfax Court House and Clifton, and Fairfax Court House and: Burke's Station; and to extend previous grant on Alexandria pike to Draneaville, provided the erection of the Hines does nut in arz way Interfere with the working of the roads vy the county authorities. An uy for the DREAD THE DELAY Owners of Coasting Vessels Want War Question Settled. THEIR BUSINESS 18 SUFFERING Trade in Lumber, Clay and Cotton is Seriously Affected. MERCHANTS INTERVIEWED eae Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. NEW YORK, April 10, 1898. To what extent the coasting trade of the United States, which, in recent years, has assumed tremendous proportions, will be interfered with by a war between this coun- try and Spain is a question of the hour, as a stoppage of this vast commerce would not only affect those directly engaged in it, but would be felt all over this country. Millions of dollars’ worth of the products of the northern and southern sections of the United States are exchanged each year by the all-water route, and the tonnage carried by coastwise vessels reaches stu- pendous amounts. Although the railroads penetrating the south may at the present time truthfully boast of excellent equipment, they would, nevertheless, be powerless to furnish the requisite freight transportation in case our Aulantic coast shipping trade was hamper ed by the presence of a Spanish fleet. For instance, the vast quantities of lumber shipped from the south could not possib be carried by the railroads, and the gre increase in rail over water freight rates weuld so materially increase tae cost of goods thus tran: at their sale would naturally be restricted to the lowest possible extent. Business men whose inter y allied with coastwi: very anxious that the h difficulties be ended as quickly as ible. They all complain that the uncertainty of th tion has stagnated business. No one what to expect. The sh ping agent. the owner of goods ready for ‘fon—in fact, every one connected stwise trade—is at sea, so te speak. say that if as declared alt uncertainty would b nd people ditions. Would Increase Cost of Lamber. If it becomes necessary to ship the lumber we must have from the south by rail its cost to the consumer will be increased at least $6 per thousand feet. A substitution } of spruce and hemlock from the interic would probably be made whe: 5 Our shipments to the south co: eral merchan@se of all kinds. The prod- ucts of the south brought to northern pc consist principally of lumber, cotton, c turpentine, rosin, tar, pitch, etc. The ber industry yuld be most seriously af- fected by Spain's interference with this commerce. One of a firm of lesaing lum- ber dealers says: “Actual war would not hurt our business nearly so much as have the rumors. Everything is at a complete | standstill. AN of the southern | will be absolutely stopped in case Neither the own will ta sels will not be « lawful to employ the many cases they would b s are in any > are knows pwher, the ship- ove would adjust themselves to th English ves- en if it was . for in ale to deliver the goods, being too deep in draught. Our own coaste’ re the « vessels afl capable of ing on this tr Orders already in are being delivered, but no fu- ture business is being taken by the mills down south. Besides, people hi don't want to buy lumber until they going to be done. question to get ourselves to the conditions. We are ing for a speedy settlement of the question.” Effect on Clay Market. Dealers in kaolin and ¢ clays: “About 30,000 tons of clay are shippe: north each year. It enters largely into the manufacture of paper for news paper and is used to some extent in making other e of war, the ma- ail, classes of paper. In ca: terial could be shipped by would bring the price up to et would enable and io sell her product in this country.” “I don’t think the Spaniards will be able to interfere with our coast trade if war breaks out,” says Capt. Fickett of a con ine of steamers. “This carrying t must be done and we'll find a way to do it. Why, this country will have armed v sels as thick as files patrolling the coast. ‘The war scare is worse than the real thing. Mas- The freighting business is paralyzed. ters, owners and shippers are afraid. of our biggest local owners has of his vessels in nearby waters, so t can corral the whole in harbor in ten days. pments of cotton have fallen off greatly sir the openin mills for manufacturing the south. Nine- ty-five per cent of the lumber is shi in sailing vessels. If we're going to war let's have it at once and have it é with.” ‘ N. A. Benner says: “I den’t think w with Spain would put a stop to our cos trade. It would not amount to en greatly interfere with us. Busin at present owing to the unsettled condi- tion of things.” Henry Heintz says: “We are near end of the season as far as raw cott conesrned, and net much dama is expected in case of war. N. tions will have more effect, upon the price of the next war with Spain. block our coast. The carr: eign countries can be tre bottoms. The railroads & great dea of the cotton at prese Last year northern mills took 1,862,000 bales and ada took 77,000. Of this amount bales were transported by rail. Ho’ we should have no war. There is no ocea- sion for it. This country has gone into hysterics and made: great preparations (o whip poor little Spain.” Effect on Southern Frait, A prominent receiver of Florida fruits and vegetables thinks the only possit way for the market to be affected is fo: the government to seize the Florida rail- roads, and prevent shipments from reach- ing Savannah, or for the steamship com- panies to withdraw the vessels from the service A big ship is loading at New Orleans with cotton, and shippers find ciffculty in getting insurance companies to fix a war rate. Other ships are held up at other ports for the same reason. Recently an insurance broker advised a friend, who wanted to get a rate on a cotton cargo. pot to pay one-eighth premium. That same agent was unable yesterday to place a risk at five-eighths premium on the same caro. War over the Cuban question would prob- ably cause an advance in the prices of sugar, as it would lock up about 115, tons of Cuban sugar now held on the is land. This would materially reduce avaii- ers of molasses are ing their supplies to provide against event: of war. Some SPAIN TO PAY AN INDEMNITY. Cannamaba incident Ends Sati«xf2c-